presentation trophy of three submarine telegraph cable sections
Date: 1879
Inventory Number: DW0357
Classification: Telegraph Cable
Subject:
Maker: India Rubber, Gutta Percha and Telegraph Works Company Limited (founded circa 1864)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
36 × 19.3 × 19.3 cm (14 3/16 × 7 5/8 × 7 5/8 in.)
Material:
Description:
A monumental presentation of submarine telegraphic cables.
This commemorative trophy consists of three different diameters of submarine telegraphic cable mounted on a turned wooden base. Each cable is banded with silver and has an outer layer of gutta percha. The bottom of the "tower" is a square block of stained and polished wood upon which an engraved sliver plaque has been mounted. The other three sides of the base are decorated by three cross-sections of the different cables that make up the top of the trophy.
Larger diameter cable would have been used near the shore end. The thicker sections of iron cabling would protect the cable from tidal friction and from being severed by ship's anchors.
This commemorative trophy consists of three different diameters of submarine telegraphic cable mounted on a turned wooden base. Each cable is banded with silver and has an outer layer of gutta percha. The bottom of the "tower" is a square block of stained and polished wood upon which an engraved sliver plaque has been mounted. The other three sides of the base are decorated by three cross-sections of the different cables that make up the top of the trophy.
Larger diameter cable would have been used near the shore end. The thicker sections of iron cabling would protect the cable from tidal friction and from being severed by ship's anchors.
In Collection(s)
Signedon silver plaque: INDIA RUBBER, GUTTA PERCHA / & TELEGH WORKS COMY LIMITED / SILVERTOWN, LONDON, 1879.
Inscribedengraved on silver plaque: MARSEILLES & ALGIERS SUBMARINE / TELEGRAPH CABLE / MANUFACTURED & LAID BY THE / INDIA RUBBER, GUTTA PERCHA / & TELEGH WORKS COMY LIMITED / SILVERTOWN, LONDON, 1879. / FOR THE FRENCH GOVERNMT
FunctionCommemorative trophies such as this were given to dignitaries on the occasion of great technological achievements.
Historical AttributesThis trophy commemorated the achievement of laying the "Marseilles and Algiers Submarine Telegraph Cable" for the French government by the India Rubber, Gutta Percha and Telegraph Works Company Ltd of London in 1879.